Crystal Palace are expected to hold talks with Lens head coach Pierre Sage early this week as they step up their search for Oliver Glasner’s successor.
The Eagles had made Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola their first-choice target, but he is now set to open formal discussions with Liverpool over a move to replace Arne Slot, who was sacked on Saturday.
With Iraola appearing to be heading elsewhere, Palace have begun assessing alternative candidates and are not expected to rush their decision.
Sage, who has earned growing recognition as one of Europe’s most promising coaches, is among the names under consideration. Reports suggest the Lens boss is open to a move and could meet Palace officials in the coming days.
The south London club, led by chairman Steve Parish, remain in no hurry to appoint a new head coach as they continue to evaluate several options for the role.
